Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 1815

Carson slid into the seat beside Marina, a casual smile playing on his lips. "What brings you here?"

A hint of frost edged Marina's expression. "Magdalen called me."

Realization dawned on Carson. "Ah, so you two know each other!"

She took a sip of her drink, a cool detachment in her voice. "Not for long. Estelle was the one who introduced us."

He nodded, giving her a sidelong glance. "I hear calling off the engagement was your idea. Why's that?"

Marina's lips curled into a wry smile. "Just felt it was all so dull!"

Carson's brow arched in confusion. "Oh?"

She continued, "When I agreed to get engaged to you, it was partly out of spite. My ex betrayed me, and I no longer believed in love. I accepted the arranged engagement my family set up. But now, when I think about it, it's not what I want."

Turning to face him squarely, she was candid. "I believe I can still yearn for love, start afresh. There's no need to rush into a lifetime commitment over one jerk."

With a playful tone, Carson teased, "So being with me means love is off the table?"

Marina raised an eyebrow. "Do you think it's possible, Mr. Foster?"

After a moment, she added with a tinge of guilt, "I didn't think things through at the start. Now that I'm breaking off the engagement, if it causes you any trouble, I apologize."

Carson took a drink, his smile unfazed. "No need for pleasantries. Someone like me worried about reputation?"